One million Filipinos are now enjoying a seamless banking experience with Maya, the country's all-in-one money app. To celebrate this milestone, Maya is launching new offers to make your digital banking experience even more awesome!

To start, you can now receive your savings interest daily and enjoy up to 6% per annum interest rate just by doing your everyday transactions in the app.

Maya's recording breaking 1 million savings customers milestone comes just five months after the leading digital banking app's public launch at the end of April this year.

"We're very grateful for the warm response from the market. We're ushering in a new banking era, and we're excited to roll out more innovative and customer-centric digital banking features in Maya that can enrich everyday lives," said Angelo Madrid, Maya Bank President.

Here are some reasons why you should leap forward into a new banking experience with Maya:

Seamless and integrated experience. Maya is not just a zero-interest-earning e-wallet now. You can make your money work harder with its savings feature. Conveniently move your money to your e-wallet to make a transaction and buy or sell crypto. What's great about this is it's all seamless, as digital banking is integrated into the app. No need to deal with another bank or app and submit new requirements.

Daily savings interest crediting. Most recently, Maya introduced a daily interest crediting in its savings feature. Yes, you read it right - you can see your up to 6% per annum earnings daily in your Maya Savings transaction history - not monthly!

More rewarding daily transactions. Maya is also pioneering mission-led rewards to encourage customers to save and use digital for everyday transactions. Starting October 15, you'll earn an already high base rate of 4.5% interest per annum on your savings, credited daily. You can quickly increase this to 6% in the next 30 days by paying with Maya for your everyday transactions. Simply spend at least P250 when paying for your purchases via Maya QR, card, or mobile number or settling your bills via the Maya app. This offer is available until November 30, 2022. Stay tuned for more updates on your savings interest!

Personalized Goals to manage your money. Maya offers an efficient way to manage your money with its Personal Goals feature. You can create up to five goals with set target amounts and timelines for organized tracking, on top of a high-yield 6% interest rate available until December 31, 2022. Soon, daily interest rate crediting will also be available for this feature.

Easy account opening and transfers. Accessing Maya Savings is easy – you only need an upgraded Maya wallet account. Once you have your Maya Savings account, you do not need to worry about maintaining a minimum balance. Fund transfers to other banks and financial institutions via PesoNet are also free until December 31, 2022.

Create your credit history. Every transaction you make in the Maya app, including Savings, can help you build your credit score. Maya offers eligible customers an instant revolving credit of up to PHP15,000, which you can use in your wallet or transfer to your Maya Savings.

Reliable and secure. Rounding up the top-of-the-line features is Maya's record of reliability and safety. The Maya app enjoys a 99.94% app uptime rate. Its digital banking services are powered by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-licensed Maya Bank, and deposits are insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) for up to PHP 500,000.00 per depositor.

Maya is more about Maya, visit maya.ph or follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, IG, Tiktok, and YouTube and @mayaofficialph on Twitter. Join our Telegram community at https://t.me/TeamMayaPH

“Health is wealth” is a cliché that has been around for decades. With the emergence of sicknesses and unexpected health concerns due to the pandemic, the direct correlation between the two has never been more emphasized than now. First, a healthy body enables people to live their lives to the fullest – giving them the energy to pursue their goals, dreams, and spend time with their loved ones. Second, it shields them from financial ruin by paying hefty medical bills and other potential hospital expenses.

Although these points are widely known, there is still a lot to discuss when it comes to what it really means to have a healthy body and achieve optimal well-being.

Go-to partner for a healthier lifestyle

With people bouncing back from laying low to being on-the-go to do what they need to do, self-care, wellness, active lifestyle, and healthy diet have all become part of the top priorities to keep them energized, fit, conditioned, and most importantly protected from possible illnesses and conditions.

But with so many things going on – balancing a job, training for an exam, watching the kids, traveling and so on – the challenges of keeping up while staying healthy are not an easy feat.

APL GO, a global multi level networking company that specializes in health and wellness knows this for a fact as it introduces its “Life on the Go” campaign which aims to empower and equip Filipinos to make healthier lifestyle choices and change their lives for the better.

Over the past 8 years, APL GO has been successfully manufacturing and distributing its unique lozenge drops across North America, Europe, and Central Asia. The demand and success of food supplements led the company to market in the Philippines as it continues with its mission to become the game changer in the nutraceutical space and meet the evolving needs of the consumers to help them achieve their goals by becoming healthy and productive individuals.

Delicious candy-like lozenge drops

An individual’s body needs proper care to be able to function at its best throughout the day. Aside from nutrition, regular exercise, and enough sleep, it also needs support which can come in different forms – positive reinforcement, a healthy environment, and a stable support system. These are just some of the things that the body needs to thrive, but with the fast-paced demand of today’s world, an additional boost to stay healthy and protected– in a quick, easy and convenient way is a much-needed necessity.

“APL GO’s lozenges are unique candy-like food supplements made from whole food, natural fruits, berries, and plants. They are designed to support a healthy diet and exercise while delivering fast acting phytonutrients to the cells of the body – from supporting natural immune response vitality, stamina and strength, digestive processes, and so much more,” said Kauri Thompson, General Manager of APL GO International.

The innovative drops are made from the company’s revolutionary Acumullit SA technology which conserves essential nutrients and properties of the natural ingredients and botanical particles – making them absorbable like candies. Moreover, the components are processed under a turbulent airflow of negatively charged particles. As a result, the components get additional energy and the most biologically active substances which are released from the plants.

“Whatever age or lifestyle, our plant-based all natural lozenge drops are safe to consume with no risk of overdose, '' said Bryan Plazo, Vice President, Business Development, APL GO Philippines.” With people becoming more and more active and on-the-go, APL GO aims to be the go-to partner to help them reach their personal goals, support them in their health and wellness activities, and overall help them achieve optimal health and well-being,” he added.

APL GO carries over 15 different all-natural lozenge drops which are highly concentrated with over 80 superfoods and 1000 phytonutrients. From the convenience of easy consumption up to giving the body exactly what it needs, APL GO is the on-the-go partner, caring for your health and wellness goals – keeping you on the move and living your life on the go. For more information on APL GO and its products, visit ph.aplgo.com, and follow its Facebook page facebook.com/officialaplgoph.

Seasoning products are essential for making tasty food. AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning is well loved by millions of Filipino households and has been a kitchen staple through the years providing deliciousness meals with just a simple Tak Tak Tak.

As a solution-providing company doing its part in shaping a more sustainable future, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC Group) is proud to launch a new milestone – the iconic AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 45g, seasoning in paper packaging.

This shift to paper packaging provides consumers with an alternative to plastic. AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 45g’s paper packaging is made from a natural and renewable paper material that can be planted, grown, harvested, and replanted. The paper that the APC Group uses is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), a leader in sustainable forestry.

“We, at Ajinomoto, hope that the new paper packaging inspires homemakers and consumers to make everyday lifestyle choices that they and future generations can be proud of. We invite everyone to join us in our journey of taking small steps for sustainability because we believe that working together creates a big difference,” says APC Group Chief Sustainability Officer Ernesto Carlos.

Creating a greener future

The new paper packaging is part of APC Group's roadmap of providing solutions that help address social issues such as environmental sustainability. Its Ajinomoto Global Sustainability Goal has two targets by 2030: to extend the healthy life expectancy of one billion people and reduce its environmental impact by 50%.

APC Group has a comprehensive sustainability program that includes sustainable procurement of raw and packaging materials, plastic waste reduction - ensuring none are leaked out to landfills, reduction of food loss and waste by means of improving operation efficiencies and converting edible waste to feeds or fertilizer, and reduction of greenhouse gas emission by using solar power energy in the factory.

The launch of AJI-NO-MOTO® 45g paper package is a tangible effort of Ajinomoto’s commitment for zero plastic waste by 2030.

Empowering lifestyle change

AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning brand ambassador Iya Villania – Arellano shared her view as consumer advocating responsible earth-friendly consumption, “We cannot go through a single day without having an impact to the environment.  I am glad that other than making delicious and healthy food for my family, I am also contributing to the reduction of plastic waste with the new AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning in paper packaging.   Let’s be part of the solution by being a responsible consumer.  One small step at a time can make a big difference.”

“Using seasoning that is both healthy for the family and for the planet helps in shaping a greener future for generations to come. This is part of the APC Group’s ‘Eat Well, Live Well’ promise, which believes that meaningful and thoughtful initiatives can make an impact on the health and well-being of Filipino families,” ends APC General Manager for Public Relations Roann Co.

For more information about the APC Group’s sustainability initiatives, visit ajinomoto.com.ph. The new paper-packaged AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 45g is available in the nearest stores and official online shops of APC Group.

Diarrhea remains to be one of the leading causes of death among children under five years old both worldwide and in the Philippines, according to the Department of Health.[ Department of Health: Leading causes of child mortality] Unfortunately, proper food, nutrition, and sanitation are not high priorities as most Filipino families live below the poverty line, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. [ Philippine Statistics Authority Proportion of Poor Filipinos] Erceflora Kiddie hopes to address this deeply rooted problem through their “Batang Matatag” (Resilient Child) campaign.

“Access to basic health services, clean water and hygiene facilities, as well as nutritious food, remains to be a public concern to children, especially to those who reside in far-flung areas of the country,” said J Ann Mirasol, Head of Marketing of Sanofi Consumer Health Care.

“That is why Erceflora Kiddie is committed to helping build a campaign that boosts children’s resilience and gut health. Erceflora Kiddie is a great product to help address gut imbalance, but we realized we needed to take more concrete action and address the misconceptions about hygiene through education on food, gut resilience, and proper hygiene and create community kitchens that can provide regular access to clean water and nutritious food in the area,” she said. “This is how ‘Batang Matatag’ came about.” World Bank Group’s Undernutrition report states that one in three children younger than five years old suffer from stunting or being too small for their age. This issue is linked to unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene and could often lead to repeated cases of diarrhea. Unfortunately, the report also states that several regions in the country have levels of stunting that exceed 40% of the population. Among these regions, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) stands out with 45% of children under five stunted. [ World Bank Group Under Nutrition Report]

“A big challenge in BARMM is the lack of access to clean, nutritious food, and so we’re looking at communities in the region where our efforts through the ‘Batang Matatag’ campaign can really make a difference,” Mirasol said. “Illnesses like diarrhea leads to stunting of the development of Filipino youth which could also incite detrimental effects on their productivity and learning as they grow older.”

According to UNICEF Philippines, poor nutrition at such an early period can have irreversible effects on the mental and physical development of children, affecting their performance in school, later, their ability to earn as an adult, and ultimately, their quality of life as a person. [ UNICEF Philippines]

“Despite decades of economic growth, these irreversible effects could cause the country a significant loss in human and economic potential, which is the biggest driver as to why we created the campaign,” Mirasol underscored.

Erceflora Kiddie believes that good nutrition is critical in building a foundation for economic prosperity. Filipino children who receive optimal nutrition will experience proper cognitive development and a greater chance to succeed. Through the “Batang Matatag” campaign, the company wants to give the children in BARMM a chance to grow and live life as a productive Filipino who can contribute to the growth of the country.

“We hope that this partnership between Erceflora Kiddie and Save the Children could potentially lead BARMM and the country one step closer to improving the health and nutrition status of the Filipino youth,” said Vanee Gosengfiao, General Manager of Sanofi Consumer Health Care.

As more people are on the go, trying to achieve their goals amidst this lingering pandemic, Poten-Cee Forte 1G advocates for fortified, longer-lasting immunity in its 2022 campaign #IamFortified   

Vitamin C Helps Boost Immunity

By now, suffice it to say that awareness is high on how Vitamin C helps enhance the body’s natural defenses by supporting various functions of the immune system.¹ What’s helpful to know for people up and about is that some formulations can release Vitamin C gradually over time so that the body benefits more from the Vitamin C content over a longer period.   

1000 mg of Vitamin C 

Poten-Cee, the top adult Vitamin C brand² has Forte, with 1,000 mg of Vitamin C that helps further boost immunity.    

8-Hour Time Release

Poten-Cee Forte has an 8-hour time release format that offers longer-lasting Vitamin C protection. With its longer-lasting Vitamin C, Poten-Cee fits people who have a long list of to-do's. Poten-Cee Forte can help fortify their immunity from the moment their day starts until it ends. And these days when there are more people out, working or studying for long hours, Vitamin C can help us increase resistance to infections.⁴     

Poten-Cee Every Day 

Ascorbic Acid is recommended for people at risk of Vitamin C deficiency.⁴ Aside from certain vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, Poten-Cee Forte can help supply one’s daily vitamin C needs with proper diet and exercise.  Take control of your health and claim it #IAmFortified    

Poten-Cee’s Got You Covered 

Poten-Cee Forte is available at leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide and at PascualLab’s flagship Lazada and Shopee stores. Hurry to a drugstore or supermarket near you - Poten-Cee Forte is available at 20% off via “Tulong sa Kalusugan” (DOH-FDA-CDRR Permit No.: 1049 s. 2022) until November 30, 2022. Follow us on FB @Poten-Cee and on IG @Poten-Cee_PH

In a bid to continuously inform the public in a changing media landscape, Abante Teletabloid, a digital evolution of the Philippines’ leading tabloid, is once more setting the stage for print media by launching its morning newscast and public service programs on its online platforms come Monday, Oct. 10, 2022.

The two programs are the first in a series of shows Abante is offering as it beefs up its digital programming content and bats for global reach.

The morning newscast, called Abante Teletabloid, is the country’s pioneer tabloid newscast.

It is a one-hour broadcast from Mondays thru Fridays, 6 a.m. to 7 a.m., livestreamed on Abante’s website, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok accounts.

Anchored by multimedia icon Mr. Fu, whose equally unique persona is expected to complement the show’s unconventional format, Abante Teletabloid will feature the latest news from around-the-nation and overseas, including political, provincial, business and sports happenings, as well as crimes, entertainment and other human interest stories.

The newscast is followed by Abante’s public service program called i-Abante Mo!, also a one-hour show from Mondays thru Fridays, 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Hosted by veteran broadcast journalist Sol Aragones and Jigo Postolero, i-Abante Mo! seeks to address recurring concerns such as petty crimes, traffic woes, physical and sexual abuses, local conflicts and modes of operation of crime syndicates.

It will also tackle national issues such as corruption, security threats and health problems in a determined effort to speed up their resolution.

The launching of Abante’s two digital shows coincides with the fifth anniversary of the long-running tabloid under its new owner, Prage Management Corporation (PMC).

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder but in this age of technology, all you need is a few taps on your mobile device to make your loved ones feel cared for even if you are miles away.

Filipinos living and working abroad have a heartwarming tendency to continue helping relatives back home - whether it’s sending them the habitual balikbayan box filled with canned goods, clothes, shoes, cosmetics, or fragrances or wiring funds to help them with their daily expenses.

There is no doubt that opportunities abroad can grant overseas Filipino workers better compensation and a better future, for themselves and their families back home. But the sacrifices made to work overseas do not come without a price; there’s an absence of physical presence, the children grow up faster than expected, and special occasions such as birthdays and Christmases will most likely be missed.

“We want to continue serving our kababayans and enabling them wherever they are in the world. This is why we are constantly innovating to remove barriers and simplify the use of GCash so that more Filipinos abroad can take advantage of the app and its hassle-free features. We know being away from family is difficult enough, so providing them with quality service via GCash is our way to help ease their worries.” says GCash Chief Customer Officer Winsley Bangit.

Thanks to GCash, parang nandyan ka lang! Filipinos abroad can easily send love and support to their families in the Philippines as if they never left. GCash offers a slew of services which help them to continue showing their care and support wherever they are in the world:

1.Sending money for FREE. Sending money to people in the Philippines is now faster and easier, especially for OFWs. By using GCash Send Money service in your app, your loved ones will be able to receive funds in real-time and straight to their GCash accounts for free. GCash users abroad can also take advantage of easily funding their GCash wallets through Cash In channels, with global remittance partners such as Remitly, Sendwave and Alipay available in 200+ countries worldwide which can be accessed online or through their branches. Those abroad may also opt for the Bank Cash In option, where users can link their Philippine bank accounts, either BPI or UnionBank, and Cash In for free without leaving the GCash app.

2.Giving support for everyday needs. Being able to communicate through messaging is a commodity in this time and age. A perfect token to send apart from monetary support, GCash users may also buy load for their loved ones back home. With GCash, users can simply enter the recipient’s number and buy telco, broadband and even lifestyle load for entertainment and gaming needs. 3.Managing finances for the future. GCash is more than just a mobile wallet. It allows users to control and grow their finances through various financial services, such as GSave, a savings marketplace that allows users to open and access a savings account through their GCash app. For instance, a user can open a BPI MySaveUp account anytime, anywhere. They can also opt to open a savings account with CIMB Bank and enjoy a high interest rate earning 2.6% base interest rate annually with no minimum balance requirement.

Moreover, GCash also offers GInvest, allowing people to grow their savings further by investing in various funds for as low as P50.

4.Having access to great deals and offers. Coined as the super life app, GCash has GLife, a one-stop online shop in the app housing various lifestyle brands, from gaming, to food, wellness, and many more. Aside from secured transactions, GLife gives you the luxury of accessing shops and merchants at once via GCash App without having to make various accounts and switching apps. With this, you don’t have to miss out on celebrations back home such as birthdays, graduation parties, or even a small get-together. Simply head over to GLife and choose gifts that you can send home.

When it comes to providing protection, having insurance also provides a sense of security. With insurance policies often being too expensive, GCash has also introduced GInsure. Filipinos living abroad can rest easy knowing that with GInsure they can safeguard their families back home against potential risks without putting a dent in their budget. It offers various insurance packages from SingLife for as low as P79 a month. Get coverage up to 750k with options to avail cover protection against COVID-19, dengue or income loss due to accidents.

Filipinos abroad can access all these amazing features and more by simply downloading the GCash app and registering using one Philippine ID to verify and an active Philippine roaming sim. Through GCash, millions of Filipinos can support their families in different ways at their fingertips.

Visit www.gcash.com to learn more about its products and services

Shopee is collaborating with the country’s leading brands to bring Filipinos bigger, better, and mas mura deals on brand favorites with the 10.10 Brands Festival. From October 1 to 12, official brand stores are working with Shopee to offer eager shoppers 50% off brand deals, 15% off daily discounts, and free shipping vouchers with no minimum spend. The 10.10 Brands Festival is the second in Shopee’s series of year-end shopping events, giving Filipinos more exciting deals to look forward to and get a head start on their holiday shopping. Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines enthused, “The 10.10 Brands Festival continues to enliven the promise of offering mas mura prices to Filipino shoppers. We have worked closely with our partner brands in bringing the best of brand deals to create a more meaningful year-end shopping experience.”

Toni Gonzaga joins the Shopee Fam as newest brand ambassador

To drum up anticipation for its 10.10 sale, Shopee welcomes Toni Gonzaga as their newest brand ambassador. Dubbed the Ultimate Multimedia Star, shoppers can look forward to watching the talented performer belt out the “Mas Mura sa Shopee” jingle as she stars in Shopee’s latest TV commercial. Fans will also be treated to entertaining content when they visit the app and Shopee’s official accounts on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Exciting, mas mura brand deals from October 1 to 12

The 10.10 festivities begin as early as October 1, with a wide assortment of official brand stores on Shopee offering exciting discounts for shoppers. The sale kicks off with back-to-back Super Brand Days from October 2 to 9, where users can enjoy up to 50% off on products from leading brands in fashion, electronics, beauty, and home & family essentials. Unbeatable offers from top brands also await early-bird shoppers with the Big Midnight Sale from 12 midnight to 2 AM on October 10. Users can get a jumpstart on their holiday shopping with limited deals on bestselling wearable devices like the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live and OPPO Band B1, as well as trendy fashion and lifestyle items such as the Crocs Crocband™ Flip and Insulated Water Bottle from the widely popular brand Aquaflask.

Shoppers can also expect more exciting deals from other leading brands including: Tiny Buds, realme, Platinum Karaoke, INSPI, Johnson & Johnson, Huggies Philippines, Uni-Care, Cetaphil, Garnier, Unilever, Enfagrow, Nestlé, Lovito, SACE LADY, adidas, Infinix, GameXtreme, TP-Link, Ace Hardware, and Huawei.

The Big Midnight Sale also allows new parents to enjoy big savings with ₱1 deals on these Pampers Baby Dry Taped Diapers. Meanwhile, beauty lovers can score fan favorites like the Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick and this Issy & Co. Brow Refiner, both at 50% off.

Download the Shopee app and discover mas mura deals from leading brands at the 10.10 Brands Festival. Head on to Shopee’s 10.10 page to know more about the latest promos or share your memorable 10.10 moments with the hashtag #ShopeePH1010BrandsFestival.

The MetroMart PISO SALE continues its weekend bargain blitzes this September 30 to October 3 with snacks and other products that can be purchased for only ₱1.00 from Robinsons Easymart and No Brand.

All participating stores of Robinsons Easymart and No Brand in MetroMart's PISO SALE will have products available for only ₱1.00 within schedules of 9AM- 2PM & 3PM-8PM. A full-size loaf of Gardenia Classic white bread,1.5-liter and other sizes of Coca-Cola, potato chips and even cleaning supplies like Zonrox bleach are up for grabs from the Robinsons Easymart roster.

Say “Annyeong” to popular Korean snacks and drinks like Jjajang Ramen, Injeolmi snacks, dried seaweed snacks, banana milk, flavored tea stick packs, and potato chips from No Brand.


“The MetroMart family is excited to be running even more Piso Sales with our supermarket and merchant partners like Robinsons Easymart and No Brand. We want to give the best deals to Filipino homes and families for different kinds of groceries and essentials, including snacks and household supplies.” MetroMart CEO and co-founder Steffano Fazzini said.

The MetroMart PISO SALE with Robinsons Easymart and No Brand is applicable to New and Existing Users of MetroMart. A min. spend of only ₱1,500 from Robinsons Easymart and ₱1,000 from No Brand is required in order to avail the 1-peso sale items. Only completed checkout of orders within the scheduled day and time can avail the discounted items.

New customers of MetroMart can also avail a ₱200 discount for a minimum order of ₱2,000 by using the code "MMNEW" upon checkout on the MetroMart app or website. The promo is valid for one-time use and applicable across all stores and supermarkets, until October 16, 2022.

MetroMart is the #1 online grocery delivery service in the Philippines. Our grocery partners include Robinsons Easymart, Robinsons Supermarket, S&R (with or no membership card required), Landmark, The Marketplace, Shopwise, All Day Supermarket, Merrymart, Super8 Grocery Warehouse, Ever Supermarket, UltraMega Supermarket, and over 500+ specialty store retailers like No Brand, Pet Express, Baby Company, Toy Kingdom, Toys”R”Us, National Book Store, Office Warehouse, Southstar Drug and AllDay Rx. Customers can order from their favorite stores on the MetroMart app and have it delivered to their door in 2 hours! For more updates on MetroMart, like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @metromartph. Order groceries online or download the app via https://bit.ly/DownloadNowMM

Beginning October 3, GMA Network proudly presents the next important television milestone that will make history and love for the country a fun learning experience via “Maria Clara at Ibarra.”

From the creators of Encantadia, Amaya, Sahaya and Legal Wives, GMA Entertainment Group once again sets the bar high for world-class entertainment and innovative concepts as it brings to Filipino homes the newest historical portal fantasy series airing weeknights on GMA Telebabad.

The much-anticipated series is top-billed by 2016 Fantasporto International Best Actress and Kapuso Primetime Princess Barbie Forteza as Klay, Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose as Maria Clara, and Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo as Ibarra.

Dennis shares his long preparation for the crucial and iconic character of Ibarra, “Dapat tama lahat ng salitang bibigkasin mo, ‘yung kilos, pag-arte at pananamit. Maraming dapat isipin para maging authentic ang mga eksena at paniwalaan na nangyari talaga siya noong unang panahon. Importante na basahing maigi ang script para makita ang dynamics ng eksena kapag nag-meet na ang past at present.”

Barbie recalls the moment when GMA offered her the role of Klay, “Tuwang-tuwa ako, nung una hindi pa ko naniwala agad kasi napakalaking project niya. Mas lalo akong bumilib sa GMA dahil kahit dumaan ang pandemya, hindi sila tumigil na tumalakay sa importanteng issues ng bansa at balikan ang kasaysayan natin. Metikulosong binusisi ang programang ito and I’m very thankful to be part of it.”

Julie Anne, on the other hand, reiterates the most exciting part of her role and how it inspires her in real life, “Si Maria Clara kasi napaka-iconic niya eh. We all know her as a symbol of hope, purity and sacrifice. Ine-embody niya 'yung isang babae na may pinaglalaban sa buhay and pinaglalaban niya 'yung mga karapatan niya.”

Playing equally important roles in the series are Mr. Tirso Cruz III as Padre Damaso, a Franciscan friar who has deep-seated resentment against Ibarra; Ms. Manilyn Reynes as Narsing, the softhearted and loving mother of Klay; Rocco Nacino as Elias, a fugitive who will become Ibarra’s devoted supporter; David Licauco as Fidel, a playboy businessman and Ibarra’s friend; Juancho Trivino as Padre Salvi, a cunning and ruthless friar who has secret desire for Maria Clara; Mr. Juan Rodrigo as Kapitan Tiago, the influential gobernadorcillo and a friend of the friars; Ms. Ces Quesada as Tiya Isabel, the cousin of Kapitan Tiago who raised Maria Clara as her own child; Mr. Dennis Padilla as Mang Adong, a loyal servant of Ibarra; Mr. Lou Veloso as Mr. Jose Torres, the professor of Klay in Rizal studies and the reason behind her time travel; Ms. Gilleth Sandico as Donya Victorina, a pretentious Filipina who tries to look and speak like a mestiza; Karenina Haniel as Victoria, the close friend of Maria Clara.

Completing the powerhouse cast is the special participation of Andrea Torres as Sisa, the affectionate mother of Crispin and Basilio who loses her mind while searching for her sons.

‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’ follows the story of Klay, a Gen Z nursing student who aims to work and bring her family abroad. She is almost graduating soon, but not until she failed a minor subject—the Rizal Studies. Klay believes that this subject is irrelevant to her life and future career.

Mr. Jose Torres, Klay’s professor, gave her another chance to pass Rizal Studies and he lent her a book of Noli Me Tangere. Klay had not even read several pages of the novel when she got bored and fell asleep.

The mystery begins when Klay wakes up in the world of Noli Me Tangere! Much to her surprise, Klay finds Mr. Torres in the alternate timeline. Klay was told that she can only return to the present once she finishes the book and learns all the lessons from the novel of Dr. Jose Rizal.

As she navigates the real world of Noli Me Tangere, Klay meets Maria Clara, Crisostomo Ibarra, the curates, the ilustrados, and the indios. This will open her eyes from the realities and sufferings of ancient Filipinos during the Spanish colonization. Amid her historical adventure, Klay forms a bond with Maria Clara and discovers the differences and similarities of a Filipina, then and now. She also witnesses the love story of Maria Clara and Ibarra. Will Klay become the bridge to strengthen their existing relationship or will she develop feelings for him instead? As Klay gets attached to the world of Noli Me Tangere, will it create chaos or clarity in her life? Can someone change history and will it bring Klay back to her real life?

The show’s Creative Consultant, Suzette Doctolero, shares the extensive research they have been doing to ensure the quality of this complex story that tackles history, “Required ang buong creative team na magbasa hindi lang ng Noli Me Tangere at El Filibusterismo kundi pati ng iba pang libro tungkol sa Philippine history. Mahalaga rin na mismong mga writers, may stand sa mga importanteng usapin sa kasaysayan.”

Esteemed Director Zig Dulay also reveals their efforts to keep the accuracy and credibility of Rizal’s novels by hiring consultants for the show, “May historians at consultants kami. Meron din kaming kinuhang language coach ng Spanish. For sure ang audience, hindi lang sila ma-e-entertain kundi matututo rin at magkakaroon ng actions sa iba’t ibang issue. Bukod pa sa kwento ng pag-iibigan, tungkol din ito sa pag-ibig sa bayan. ”

This series is made possible under the supervision of GMA SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; VP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; AVP for Drama Helen Rose Sese; Program Manager Edlyn Tallada; and Executive Producer Shielyn Atienza.

The creative team behind this groundbreaking drama is composed of Creative Director Aloy Adlawan; Content Development Consultant Ricky Lee; Historical Consultants Ramon Guillermo and Gonzalo Campoamor; Head Writer J-Mee Katanyag; Writers Brylle Tabora and Benson Logronio; and Brainstormers Zita Garganera and Melchor Escarcha.

Let’s all remember the past with a twist and catch the world premiere of Maria Clara at Ibarra this October 3 at 8PM, weeknights, on GMA and at 9:40PM, Mondays to Fridays, on GTV.

Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV. For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMANetwork.com.